Portugal is currently undertaking measures to expel over 18,000 undocumented migrants, the incumbent caretaker Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced early in May.
The initiative was detailed by Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro, who stated that the government would begin issuing expulsion notices starting this week. The initial phase involves notifying around 4,500 individuals, requesting them to leave the country within 20 days voluntarily. Those who do not comply may face forced deportation.
The government justifies this action by stating that these undocumented individuals have violated Portuguese and European immigration laws. Opposition parties and migrant advocacy groups criticize the timing and intent, viewing it as a political maneuver to appeal to right-wing voters.
However, this move aligns with broader immigration reforms implemented in June 2024, when Portugal ended the “manifestation of interest” policy. Previously, this policy allowed undocumented migrants to regularize their status after a year of paying social security contributions. Under the new rules, migrants must secure a job contract before entering the country, with priority given to skilled professionals, students, and individuals from Portuguese-speaking countries.
Significant numbers of Portugal’s migrant population migrants come from Portuguese-speaking countries and the Indian subcontinent. The largest foreign communities in Portugal include Brazilians, approximately 368,449 individuals, making up about 35% of the foreign resident population. Angolans make up around 55,589 foreign residents; Cape Verdeans approximately 48,885 individuals; Indians about 44,051 and Nepalis around 36,227 individuals.
This growing immigrant population plays a vital role in various sectors of the Portuguese economy, including agriculture, construction, and services, and contributes to the country’s demographic and cultural diversity.
The timing of this announcement, just weeks ahead of the national elections scheduled for May 18, has drawn criticism from opposition parties and migrant advocacy groups. They argue that the move is politically motivated, aiming to appeal to right-wing voters amid rising support for the far-right Chega party. Critics also express concerns that these measures may exacerbate social tensions and overlook the contributions of migrants to the Portuguese economy.
The announcement, made just weeks before the national snap elections, scheduled for May 18, has drawn criticism, sparking a contentious debate in Portugal, with significant opposition from political parties, civil society groups, and international stakeholders, all questioning the timing, intent, and potential consequences of the government’s decision.
The Socialist Party, the major opposition contender, led by Pedro Nuno Santos, has condemned the expulsions as a politically motivated move aimed at appealing to right-wing voters. Santos accused Prime Minister Luís Montenegro of attempting to gain an electoral advantage by initiating a process that was already in place, criticizing the government’s “incompetence” after a year in power.
Other opposition parties have also expressed concerns, labeling the expulsions as “electoralist and populist.” They argue that the timing of the announcement, coinciding with the start of the election campaign, suggests an attempt to shift public attention and gain political leverage.
Migrant advocacy organizations have voiced strong objections to the expulsions, highlighting the potential humanitarian impact on individuals who have established lives in Portugal. They argue that the policy overlooks the contributions of migrants to the Portuguese economy and society and that it may exacerbate social tensions.
As of late 2023, Portugal had approximately 1.29 million legally resident foreign nationals, accounting for about 12% of the country’s total population. This marks a significant increase from previous years, reflecting a growing trend in immigration to Portugal.
As of 2020, approximately 2.08 million Portuguese citizens were living abroad, representing about 20% of Portugal’s population. In addition to these emigrants, there is a vast global Portuguese diaspora. Some estimates suggest that up to 85 million people worldwide have Portuguese ancestry, including descendants of emigrants in countries like Brazil, the United States, France, Venezuela, and Canada.
Recent trends indicate that emigration from Portugal continues, particularly among younger generations seeking better economic opportunities. In 2022, approximately 70,000 individuals left. The population of Portugal is estimated at 10.58 million (2023).
PAJ/Staff
